5 Flavor Pound Cake Recipe: The Ultimate Moist and Flavorful Classic
Why You’ll Love This 5 Flavor Pound Cake
Tired of dry, boring pound cakes that taste like cardboard? This 5 flavor pound cake is about to change everything! Packed with vanilla, butter, coconut, rum, and lemon extracts, this incredibly moist cake delivers layers of flavor in every single bite. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, bringing dessert to a potluck, or just treating your family to something special, this recipe is your secret weapon for creating bakery-quality results at home.
The best part? Despite its impressive flavor profile, this cake uses simple pantry ingredients and straightforward techniques that even beginner bakers can master. No fancy equipment required—just your trusty stand mixer and a bundt pan!
Quick Recipe Info
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 mins | 75 mins | 90 mins | 12-16 | Easy |
What You’ll Need
For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour – sifted for best texture
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – helps with lift
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – enhances all the flavors
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter – room temperature
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening – or additional butter
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs – room temperature works best
- 1 cup whole milk – room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon butter extract – available in baking aisle
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- 1 teaspoon rum extract – or actual rum
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Substitution Notes:
- No shortening? Use 1 1/2 cups butter total instead
- Can’t find rum extract? Substitute with almond extract
- Dairy-free? Use plant-based milk and vegan butter
Step-by-Step Directions
- Prep your pan and oven. Preheat oven to 325°F. Generously grease a 12-cup bundt pan with butter, then dust with flour, tapping out excess. This step is crucial for easy removal!
- Mix dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream butter and shortening. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream butter and shortening on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add sugar gradually. Slowly add sugar while mixing, beating for another 3-4 minutes until the mixture is pale and very fluffy. This step creates the cake’s tender texture.
Pro Tip: Don’t rush the creaming process! Properly creamed butter and sugar is the foundation of a perfect pound cake.
- Incorporate eggs one at a time. Add eggs one by one, beating well after each addition. The mixture might look slightly curdled—that’s normal!
- Add all five extracts. Mix in vanilla, butter, coconut, rum, and lemon extracts until combined. The aroma will be absolutely incredible.
- Alternate wet and dry ingredients. Add flour mixture in three additions, alternating with milk in two additions. Begin and end with flour. Mix just until combined—overmixing leads to tough cake.
- Pour and smooth batter. Transfer batter to prepared bundt pan, spreading evenly and gently tapping the pan to release air bubbles.
- Bake low and slow. Bake for 70-80 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Temperature Tip: The lower temperature (325°F) prevents the outside from browning too quickly while ensuring the center cooks through.
- Cool properly. Let cake cool in pan for 15 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
How to Serve
This 5 flavor pound cake is delicious on its own, but here are some fantastic serving ideas:
Classic Pairings:
- Fresh berries and whipped cream
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Hot coffee or tea
Elegant Presentations:
- Dust with powdered sugar for a simple finish
- Drizzle with the optional vanilla glaze
- Serve with lemon curd and fresh mint
Make It Special:
- Toast slices lightly and serve with butter
- Use as a base for strawberry shortcake
- Cube and use in trifles or bread pudding
Expert Tips for Success
Storage Secrets:
- Wrap cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap—it actually gets more moist after a day!
- Store at room temperature for up to 5 days
- Freeze whole or in slices for up to 3 months
Flavor Variations:
- Citrus Lover: Replace rum extract with orange extract and add lemon zest
- Tropical Twist: Double the coconut extract and add a touch of pineapple juice
- Holiday Version: Add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg with the extracts
Texture Perfections:
- All ingredients should be at room temperature for best mixing
- Don’t open the oven door for the first 60 minutes—it can cause the cake to fall
- A properly baked pound cake will spring back lightly when touched
Baker’s Secret: The combination of butter AND shortening creates the perfect balance of flavor and moisture that butter alone can’t achieve.
Common Questions
Can I make this cake without a bundt pan?
Absolutely! Use two 9×5 loaf pans and reduce baking time to 55-65 minutes, or make it in a tube pan with the same timing as the bundt version.
Why does my pound cake have a dense texture?
This usually happens from overmixing the batter once the flour is added, or from using cold ingredients. Make sure everything is room temperature and mix just until combined.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Pound cake is traditionally very sweet, and the sugar contributes to the tender texture. You can reduce it by up to 1/2 cup, but the texture may be slightly different.
How do I know when the cake is done?
A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The cake will also start to pull slightly away from the sides of the pan.
What if I can’t find all five extracts?
You can substitute missing extracts with vanilla, but the complex flavor profile is what makes this cake special. Most grocery stores carry these extracts in the baking aisle, or you can order them online.
Final Thoughts
This 5 flavor pound cake recipe is truly a showstopper that delivers bakery-quality results every single time. The combination of five distinct extracts creates a complex, sophisticated flavor that will have everyone asking for your secret. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is forgiving, reliable, and absolutely delicious.
The best part? This cake actually improves with time, becoming more moist and flavorful after the first day. So go ahead and make it a day before your event—your future self will thank you! Give this recipe a try, and prepare to become the designated dessert person at every gathering. You’ve got this!
